Gassama Must Start | Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Motherwell | OneFootball

It has been a perfect start for Russell Martin as the Rangers chief following their stunning win over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League Round 2 qualifiers. They will now begin their quest for the coveted Premiership crown with a trip to Fir Park to contest Motherwell in the first gameweek of the 2025-26 season.

The Well finished eighth last term, but troubled the Gers time and again in the recent past. They grabbed a 2-1 win at Ibrox earlier this year, and the previous tie in North Lanarkshire finished all square, thanks to a second-half brace from Hamza Igamane after being 2-0 down before the break. However, the squad overhaul under the new leadership should excite the fans, as the club aim for a resurgence, shaking off the shambles under Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson.

Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Motherwell

Defence

Despite losing his starting status to Liam Kelly towards the backend of the 2024-25 season, Jack Butland must have reclaimed the ‘number 1’ spot after a majestic performance against the Greek giants across both legs.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Nedim Bajrami of Rangers FC celebrates after he scores his team’s second goal during the Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final match between Motherwell and Rangers at Hampden Park on November 03, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rangers let Leon Balogun and Robin Propper depart, but replaced the veteran central defensive duo with younger alternatives in Manny Fernandez and Nasser Djiga. While Fernandez has yet to make his official debut, Djiga, on loan from Wolves, should keep his place in deep defence alongside John Souttar. James Tavernier and Max Aarons must occupy the fullback roles, with the latter, predominantly a right-back, featuring as a makeshift left fullback ahead of Jefte.

Midfield

The Light Blues have ample depth, quality and versatility in the centre of the pitch. Although Lyall Cameron has not been involved in their last two games, Joe Rothwell, their other summer arrival, has cemented his place as a deep-lying playmaker. Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande must demonstrate their previous season’s form, but Martin should rotate them at some stage, with Connor Barron and Bailey Rice waiting in the wings.

Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane are nursing their respective fitness woes. They must not be rushed early into the campaign, and the manager needs to make a call by deploying Cyriel Dessers over Danilo, given the Brazilian’s past injury record. Djeidi Gassama scored in both games as a second-half substitute, and he should now start the Saturday evening encounter from the left-hand flank. Kieran Dowell is expected to continue as a makeshift right-winger, but we might see Mikey Moore making his debut pending FIFAapproval. Findlay Curtis, Nedim Bajrami and Oscar Cortes could also be introduced as wide attacking options.